Football
has witnessed many great talents over the years. Year after year, new stars
arise and take center stage setting the world alight and making a name for
themselves. But as new talent shines, unfortunately, stars of the past have to
fade and retire.

Here
are some of the stars that retired in 2014 but left their mark on football and
will be remembered fondly:

4- Ryan Giggs

Ryan
Giggs is the most decorated player in English football history with 672
appearances. All of those came for his boyhood club Manchester United where he
served for 24 spectacular years. He had an incredible work ethic and blinding
pace that terrorized opponents for over two decades. He was a master at
creating chances for players around him and chipped in with goals as well. His
left foot whipped in a plethora of wicked crosses all his career accompanied
with clever defence splitting passes. He adapted his game slightly over the
years relying more on his vision and intelligence as opposed to his pace and
trickery which he used in the early parts of his career. He won innumerable
honours and trophies during his time at Old Trafford.

3- Carles Puyol

Carles
Puyol was a one man defensive wall. He was exceptionally gifted in all areas of
defending. There was no weakness in his game as he was quick, sharp, athletic
as well as very strong. He was masterful in a tackle and an expert at reading
the game. His tenacity was unmatched and would never forego his responsibility
as a defender. He spent his whole career serving Barcelona and captained
them in the latter part of his career. He won many team honors and
individual accolades in his career including the La-Liga title and Champions
league title. He was one of the best defenders to have ever graced the game.

2- Javier Zanetti

Zanetti graced the Italian league with his amazing ability for 19 years during which he remained faithful to Inter Milan. His engine and stamina, even in his late thirties, was awe inspiring. He was extremely versatile with the ability to run up and down the wings all game and his ability to defend as well as attack. He played equally well with both feet and on both flanks as well as centrally, breaking down opponents attacks as well as stemming Inter’s attacks from the back. He had excellent ball control and an eye for a pass. He played over 600 games for Inter and when he retired, the football club retired the number 4 jersey in his honour.

1- Theirry Henry

Thierry Henry was a true legend of the game. He mesmerized defenders with his tricks and skill. He blew past opponents with pace and power. He had poise, technique and vision that few can match. He started as a winger but credit to Arsene Wenger who turned him into the deadliest striker. He moved from Juventus to Arsenal in 1999 after a less than impressive stint in Italy and really catapulted to dizzying heights in his 8 years there. He then moved to Barcelona and enjoyed a successful three year tenure there winning many trophies along the way. He then moved to the MLS and became the face of the MLS for almost 5 years before hanging up his boots. He netted a record 226 goals for Arsenal in the Premier League and 360 goals overall in his stellar career. He is widely recognized as one of the best strikers in the Premier League.